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Veterans nonprofit announces appointment of First Montana Chair

Co-founder of veterans’ equine therapy program selected

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Courtesy photo

Barbara B. Skelton has been appointed the Founding Chairperson for the state of Montana State Funeral for World War II Veterans.

State Funeral for World War II Veterans has announced Barbara B. Skelton as been appointed the Founding Chairperson for the state of Montana.

Labor Day of 2017, State Funeral for World War II Veterans, launched a nationwide petition drive to convince the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to designate a state funeral in Washington D.C. for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Today only two remain. This single state funeral would provide special recognition, and serve as a final salute to the 16 million men and women who served in our armed forces from 1941 to 1945.

In total, 473 Medals of Honor were awarded to World War II servicemen. The two remaining are Hershel “Woody” Williams, U.S. Marine Corp Corporal, of West Virginia and Charles Coolidge, U.S. Army Technical Sergeant of Tennessee.

“The United States has held many funerals for famous Generals, but never one for an enlisted man” said Bill Mc-Nutt, Co-Founder and Chairman. “We are working hard all across the country, side by side with proven leaders like Barbara Skelton to make this State Funeral a reality.”

“Out of 16 million service men and women from World War II, only about 400,000 remain with us. They deserve special recognition at a State Funeral for one of their own “ said Skelton, the 1st women to win nomination for Lt. Governor, who has been appointed to over 50 state-wide Montana boards.

“Ms. Skelton is adept at building and fostering beneficial partnerships, founding successful non profits, and helping veterans. Her diverse background and proven leadership experience will bring great success to our efforts in the Treasure state,” said Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, Don Ballard. “The National Board of Directors joins me in welcoming Barbara to our leadership.”

Skelton is currently recruiting an eight-person State Board of Directors in Montana. Self- nominations are welcome. Send nominations to her at skelgatz@gmail.com

As President of the Coal Black Cattle Company & Consulting Services, she resolves issues and leads development projects beneficial to Montana. Skelton is the Co-Founder of Horses Spirits Healing Inc. an Equine Therapy program focused on Veterans, their families and community members with disabilities.

Her honors include the Women of the Year from the American Biographical Institute, the Women of the Year from the YWCA and a member of the Trademark Women of Distinction in 2019.

The State of Montana had three of its sons receive the Medal of Honor, including Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on March 27, 2019. The other two are William Galt and Donald Ruhl, both from World War II.

Skelton said she will focus on two important actions. First, to get a resolution passed by the Montana State Legislature supporting a State Funeral for the last Medal of Honor holder from the Second World War. Second, to obtain a Congressional delegation letter to the President supporting the mission, signed by both United States Senators and Congressman from Montana.

About State Funeral for World War II Veterans

State Funeral for World War II Veterans exists to convince the President of the United States to designate a single state funeral for the last Medal of Honor holder from World War II, as a final salute to the 16 million men and women of the Greatest Generation who served in our armed forces from 1941 to 1945. For more information on how to join in this mission visit www.worldwar2salute.org.